Not sure how I feel about the hire. I think Crennel is a tremendous DC, but the way he utilizes the D-Line neutralizes Watt to some degree. Instead of shooting gaps and causing havoc in the backfield (sacks, tackles for loss) he will be two-gaping and holding up blockers for the LB's.

What I love about his Defensive Coordinating history is that his defenses create turnovers and are always very good in the red zone. Every year as a DC, his teams have ranked higher in points allowed than in yards allowed. Ahh, yes, I am looking forward to being near the top in statistics that actually matter!

It will be interesting to see how they use JJ Watt. I'm trying to think of any Crennel defense with a defensive lineman with Watt's talent... I'm fairly certain that he usually has three large DLs always assigned with 2-gap responsibilities... The rest of the defense is very flexible and morphs into all kinds of alignments and responsibilities (using LBs, Safeties, and/or CBs to play as "jokers"- given assigned freedoms to make plays). The defense is built to free up the jokers to make plays and disguise where where they will be.

I'm not sure how Watt can be an effective play maker in this defense. It will be interesting... I imagine Watt's agent is already in panic mode, realizing how damaging this transition could be for Watt's upcoming contract if he is used in the traditional manner by Romeo.

Not sure how I feel about the hire. I think Crennel is a tremendous DC, but the way he utilizes the D-Line neutralizes Watt to some degree. Instead of shooting gaps and causing havoc in the backfield (sacks, tackles for loss) he will be two-gaping and holding up blockers for the LB's.

Clearly, adjustments will need to be made. I'm interested in what that will look like. Antonio Smith will certainly walk away. I tell you what, though, Kareem Jackson and JJo are going to look a lot better and make a lot more plays next year! Instead of chasing the tails of Wrs every play in man coverage, they will be put in all sorts of positions to make plays.

I don't see Watt maintaining his sack numbers in this scheme, unless he is converted. Though, we finally get our "fat boy in the middle."!!!!

Willie Mcginest is about the closest player I can come up with. Mcginest was 6'5" and around 275 lbs for most of his career and essentially played OLB in Romeo's defense. I wonder if Watt will be on a diet this off-season.

On December 1, 2012, Crennel attempted to prevent the suicide of player Jovan Belcher by talking to him and witnessed his death by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The following day, Crennel coached his team to a 27-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers, the Chiefs' first home victory since defeating the Packers the previous season, and the only other home win during his tenure.